We are looking for Software Factory Administrator - SC Cleared candidates - Perm role
Location: Reading, UK and travel to client location required too
Type: Perm role
We are seeking a Software Factory Administrator to support the creation, maturation, and operation of the Software Factory — a secure, scalable, and collaborative platform enabling continuous integration, testing, and deployment of Defence digital capabilities.
This role combines hands-on system administration, automation, and technical governance with coordination and oversight of innovation workstreams. The successful candidate will ensure the Software Factory and its toolchain (including GitLab and associated DevSecOps platforms) operate efficiently, securely, and in alignment with and mission outcomes.
Responsibilities
Software Factory Development and Administration:
• Lead the creation and maturation of the Software Factory and its supporting toolchain, including GitLab and associated CI/CD environments.
• Undertake associated management activities, including user training, administration, onboarding, and ongoing operational support.
• Manage and maintain Software Factory environments, ensuring security, performance, and availability across multiple projects.
• Oversee configuration, access control, and repository management across GitLab, Nexus, Jenkins, or similar systems.
• Monitor systems, manage infrastructure, automate routine tasks, and collaborate with software teams to ensure the smooth operation of software development and deployment pipelines.
• Maintain integration with monitoring and logging tools (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack) and ensure end-to-end visibility of software pipelines.
• Administer and monitor containerised environments using Kubernetes (e.g. Red Hat OpenShift).
Innovation and Continuous Development:
• Lead and manage innovation work packages within the Software Factory, outside of the prototype bridging contract, supporting exploration of emerging technologies and approaches.
• Support the identification and evaluation of innovative tools, automation methods, and frameworks that enhance efficiency and capability delivery.
• Contribute to the creation of a Software Factory roadmap, ensuring alignment with wider Defence Digital transformation goals.
• Promote best practice and continuous improvement across software engineering and DevSecOps disciplines.
Technical Support and Assurance:
• Act as the primary point of contact for Software Factory–related technical and access issues.
• Support development teams with environment setup, build and deployment troubleshooting, and configuration guidance.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of configuration, system changes, and operational processes for governance and audit.
• Ensure alignment with Defence Digital and Army engineering, security, and accreditation standards.
Governance and Compliance:
• Maintain governance documentation, access logs, and audit trails in line with programme standards.
• Ensure adherence to Defence Digital security, accreditation, and data management requirements.
• Implement configuration management, patching, and vulnerability remediation processes for all factory systems.
• Support compliance activities associated with DevSecOps and secure software delivery principles.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work collaboratively with software developers, project managers, architects, cyber security specialists, and wider Defence stakeholders.
• Provide technical advice and administrative guidance to ensure efficient and compliant use of the Software Factory.
• Coordinate with Defence Digital technical authorities to align capability development, standards, and interoperability.
Experience
Essential:
• Proven experience administering CI/CD platforms such as GitLab, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Nexus.
• Strong understanding of DevOps and infrastructure automation principles (e.g. Ansible, Terraform, scripting).
• Experience managing secure, containerised environments (Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift).
• Working knowledge of monitoring, logging, and vulnerability scanning tools (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, SonarQube, ELK Stack).
• Experience establishing and maturing technical environments or development platforms from inception.
• Strong system administration background with knowledge of networking, access management, and system security.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead small-scale innovation or capability development activities.
Desirable:
• Experience within the UK Defence or other secure government digital programmes.
• Understanding of Defence Digital governance frameworks, accreditation, and assurance processes.
• Familiarity with secure software development practices, code quality monitoring, and vulnerability management.
• Awareness of Defence capability integration and ISTAR-related systems.
Regards
Chaya